Well-appointed woodland gardens should reserve plenty of room for fancy fronds, and the Ostrich Fern is one of the all time best. Tall feathery plumes of green rise to 3 ft. producing large stands over time if grown in moist, humus-rich soils.

Zone
This refers to the USDA hardiness zone assigned to each part of the country, based on the minimum winter temperature that a region typically experiences. Hardiness zone ranges are provided for all perennial plants and you should always choose plants that fall within your range.

3-8

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Shade, Part Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

32-40 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

24-30 inches

Resistant To
Adverse garden conditions, such as heat or frost, deer or rabbits, that this product can tolerate well.

Rabbit

Ornamental Use
Ways in which the product may be used in the garden for ornamental effect.

How to Plant Ferns

Choose a location in full to part shade, with moist, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12 inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.

Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

How to Grow Fern Plants

Keep weeds under control during the fern growing season. Weeds compete with fern plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.

Mulches can be used to help retain moisture in soil and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Careful watering is essential in getting fern perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.

Until the fern plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.

Ferns are low-maintenance plants, but they need a consistently moist soil in order to thrive, but do not leave ferns in standing water.

Fern Growing Tips

You can propagate ferns by division in fall or spring.

Fern foliage is great for greenery in flower arrangements.

Ferns are perfect for shade gardens and woodland areas. They combine well with hostas and other perennials that do well in shade. Creeping ferns make great groundcovers.

Planting and Growing Perennials

Product Details

Zone

3-8

Sun

Full Shade, Part Sun

Height

32-40 inches

Spread

24-30 inches

Resistant To

Rabbit

Ornamental Use

Beds, Borders

Planting Time

Fall, Spring

Genus

Matteuccia

Life Cycle

Perennial

Reviews

Fern, Ostrich is rated
3.8 out of
5 by
4.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
myrrh from
Doing very wellI bought a couple of these two years ago, and they are happily growing, and spreading in my yard. I'm extremely pleased!

Date published: 2018-10-15

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Denise K14 from
Not a great purchaseI planted 6 ferns last year in the fall in a bed at the edge of my woods. Only 4 came up in the spring, with one dying off due to a late frost. We live in an area with native natural ferns everywhere. So I assumed they would do great in my garden. Now mid-July there are only about 8" tall at the tallest. Hope they will improve over the next few years.

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Chief Illiniwek from
great fernWill it get to 3 ft in a Mid west clay soil, not so sure. On a trip to Alaska I saw them in full glory. I have planted them here in the St.Louis area and had them grow great for 5 yrs and then
die off. Not sure if it was water or the clay soil. A nice fern and better than most. I saw 2 ft max. I am trying again after 7 yrs.

Date published: 2017-05-07

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Bashia from
Skeptical of promised sizeFern is pretty, but I am not too confident that it will reach a large size. Guess I'll see how it does next year!